By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech men's basketball team announced its first signee of the 2014 class Tuesday. The Golden Eagles will welcome Savonte Frazier of Lake Wales, Fla. next season, hoping he can contribute at the point guard position right away.
"We watched him play all summer and last year and we really loved his tremendous basketball IQ," said head coach Steve Payne. "His toughness and willingness to compete are huge pluses. He really sees the floor well and has been developing his offensive game quite nicely. He's been scoring this year a lot and we're excited to see it. He plays for a heck of a coach in Coach Randy Lee. Randy has done a great job in instilling work ethic in Savonte and we're just excited about his desire to compete and what he will bring to the table for us next season."
Savonte Frazier
6-0 – 165 – Guard – Lake Wales, Fla. – Lake Wales HS
A three-year letter winner from Lake Wales, Fla., Frazier will join the Golden Eagles with plenty of experience at the point guard position, having helped his team to a Florida 5A State title in 2012. In 2011 he helped his team to the championship game, winning its first of two straight regional titles. He also led his squad to three consecutive district championships. As a junior, Frazier averaged an impressive 17 points per game while also dishing out four assists, grabbing five rebounds, and making two steals per contest. He earned All-County Third-Team honors for his efforts and also earned two MVP awards in tournaments, including the Mosaic Shootout. Already this season, he is averaging 22.5 points, six assists, and five rebounds per game.
Frazier on why he chose Tech:
I wanted to go somewhere that I can play and contribute right away. I have my sights set on playing at the next level after college someday and I feel that Tech offers both of these opportunities.
Frazier on the coaching staff:
One of the things that really intrigued me was the how much that coaching staff really cares about its players. I really enjoyed meeting Coach Payne and Coach Davis and everyone else on the staff. They give a sense of a family atmosphere.
Frazier on the city of Cookeville:
It was cold when I visited, but I really liked the city of Cookeville. Being from Florida, I'm not used to all the different colors of leaves and I liked that a lot. The food is really good too. There are a lot of restaurants there that we don't have back here.
Frazier on what he brings to the table:
Coming in, I think I'll be able to contribute right away. I'm a pretty good defender and I think I play point guard pretty well. I also try to score when I can and I feel that I'll only get better at Tech.
High school coach Randy Lee on Frazier:
Savonte is a natural leader and tireless worker. He's an individual who understands what hard work is and pays the price every day to get better. He's a gym rat who's always in here early getting up extra shots or working on his defense. We've been extremely fortunate to have him at point guard the past few years, especially with his defensive prowess and ability to score the basketball. He does the little things that make a program better.
